Ultimate Guide to Windows 10 Virtual Desktops

Do you find yourself multitasking when it comes to technology? When people work, it’s pretty typical that they have several open programs at the same time. Some lucky employees have an extra monitor or two to help them multitask. 

For those of you that use laptops, or only one monitor, you might be pleasantly surprised when you explore the Windows 10 Virtual Desktops feature. You can create one instantly after simply touching a few keys on your keyboard. Finished with your desktop? Throw it away and create a new one.

Let’s Get Started – Windows 10

Head to the task view, which is the icon that sits next to Cortana on the taskbar. For those of you who like shortcuts, you can always press the Windows Key and Tab simultaneously.

While you’re in a task view, you can see all of your running programs in one glance, and you can select which program you’d like to view at the moment. 

You can also view open programs by hitting Alt and Tab, but this keyboard shortcut only stays open for as long as you hold the keys down. When you release the keys, open programs go away. Alternatively, Task View stays open until you dismiss it. That’s why we prefer Task View. 

So go to Task View, and head to the right corner – click on the button that says “new desktop.” You’ll now see two rectangles – these are your desktops, and they’ll be labeled “Desktop 1” and “Desktop 2.”

While in Task View, look to the right corner to see a button that says “new desktop.” Click on that, and you will see two rectangles labeled Desktop 1 and Desktop 2 have appeared. 

How to Use Virtual Desktops 

For maximum productivity, think about just how you use your computer and organize your desktops accordingly. If you are always switching between a word processor, a media app and a browser, it can get old quickly.

When you put each program on a different desktop you can switch between them easily, removing the irritating need to minimize and maximize every program as you use them.

Pro Tip: Group Related Tasks 

You can put all of your productivity apps on one desktop, all of your media apps on another, email on one, and browsing on another separate virtual desktop. 

If you need to move between desktops just open Task View. Drag and drop from one desktop to another. If this is getting old, don’t fret – there’s a keyboard shortcut to make this faster.

Press Windows Key, Ctrl, and the right or left arrow key. To master this move, you’ll need to know which desktop you’re on. Multiple desktops are laid out in a straight line with a beginning and an end. When you reach the end of the line, you’ll need to go back the way you came. 

When you reach your last virtual desktop, head back by hitting the left arrow key. 

How to Set Up Virtual Desktops 

Head to Start, choose Settings, hit System, then Multitasking, then scroll down until you see the virtual desktop options. 

You can decide if you’d like to see icons for every open program on each desktop, across the taskbar, or only on the desktop where the program is open. 

Choose whether you want to see icons for every single open program across the taskbar of each desktop, or only on the desktop where the program is open. 

Virtual desktops are a great way to bolster your productivity, especially if you have one monitor or a laptop. If you need a second “mini-monitor” we suggest you repurpose an old tablet and set it on a stand next to your monitor. You can keep your email client open there, your newsfeed, stock ticker, or anything else you like to keep an eye on throughout the day.

In case of any problem, head over to nearby desktop repair shop and get it fixed. 

So go forth and be productive with your new knowledge of virtual desktops! We guarantee you will boost your productivity when you use this handy, but lesser-known feature.